Robert Inglish Dies In Town That He Loved

Tulsa Tribune

October 16, 1961

Former Bixby Mayor Robert Inglish1859-1961

"Special to The Tribune"

Bixby, October 16 — Robert Inglish, a landmark of this Tulsa County town, died Sunday at the age of 102.

When Mr. Inglish, an area resident since 1910, celebrated his 100th birthday two years ago, he told a reporter he used to think he'd like to "turn my speedometer back and start all over again . . . but now I think I'll just let it turn over and start on my next 100."

Mr. Inglish, a former Bixby mayor, opened up a wholesale feed and flour store when he arrived here during the town's early days.

He operated this business until the early 1930s, then engaged in real estate dealings, amassing considerable holding including much downtown property.

When he was well past 90 years old, he walked into a bank and told the president he wanted to buy a farm. The bank official asked him why and Inglish replied, "Because it's a good buy." He did buy the farm, and sold it four years later for twice what he had paid for it.

At the time of his death, he still lived in the white bungalow which he purchased when he came here in 1910.

He resided with his two daughters, Miss Leona Inglish, a retired teacher at Roosevelt Junior High School, Tulsa, and Mrs. Nell Underwood, widow of a Missouri physician.

His first wife, mother of his children, died in 1915. His second wife, to whom he was married more than 30 years, died in 1955.

Mr. Inglish was born in Moniteau County, Mo. His father was a captain in the Confederate Army who fought four years in the Civil War, including the battle of Corinth, Shiloh and Wilson Creek.

One of his earliest memories was the tears of happiness his mother shed when his father returned from the war. Mr. Inglish also recalled casting his first presidential vote in 1880 for the "Greenbacker" candidate, James B. Weaver.

He was mayor of Bixby from 1911 to 1916. He was a frequent Tulsa visitor but always said he liked Bixby better "because I helped build Bixby."

He had no formula for living a long life, telling a reporter at one time that "I just lived. It's true I don't use whisky or coffee or tobacco, but that's no reason . . . I just don't care for them."

Also surviving are a son, Charles H. of Okmulgee, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the First Methodist Church, and burial will be in the Bixby Cemetery under direction of the Leonard Funeral Home.